It's All About the Accessories..

Accessories are a great way to update you look without buying a bunch of new clothes. The right jewelry can dress up or dress down your outfit. Here is few cute accessories I found at Arden B.

Always InStyle

I always look forward to receiving my magazines but April's InStyle was extra special. I just can't get enough of it. If you don't subscribe it's definitely an issue that is worth picking up.

Here are a few highlights:

• Deals & Styles: great stuff for little $$
• The Look: wide headbands. Great for those days when your hair just won't cooperative (or you just wanted to sleep in!)
• Fashion: Cool Shades. I needed to find some new ones.
• Fashion 101: T-shirts. Great guide to t-shirts.

These are just a few sections that jumped out at me. There is so much more.

You Got StarStyle

Ever see something an actor is wearing on TV or in the movies and wonder where you can find it? Well now your chances of finding that item just got better. Check out StarStyle. It's also a great style guide. For right now, they just feature a selection of TV shows but they will soon be expanding to Movies and Music Videos. They even give how to instructions for hair styles and make-up. The site is still in it's infancy but it definitely has potential.

The Hot New Flats

I love Steve Madden's new cut-out flats. They totally remind me of the style of sandal that was in when I was twelve but more modern. So cute! These are available at Macy's. I think this style of flats is going to be big this summer. They go well with all the neutral, safari-type clothes.

Featured Designer: Ya Ya

Ya Ya has great stuff. Everything from pants to bum around in to cute tops to wear out at night. I love this tunic - the sequins are a nice touch without being too cheesey. What's even better is some of Ya Ya's item (like these two) are on sale at Blush. Check out their website for more Ya Ya.

Liv Got (More) New Shoes

I don't usually shop at Guess but I accidentally wandering in there today and bought these. Aren't they cute?! Love the peep-toe. I strutted around the store for a while to test them out and they passed - very comfortable and easy to walk in. The color is great. They go well with all the neutral/safari tones that are in right now. Now I just need a pedicure. OH and it's needs to warm up about 30 degrees.

Celeb Blogger Gets National Press

Yahoo! News reported that Gawker.com launched a "Stalker Map". Yahoo! wasn't the only place I read about the Stalker Map. The Stalker Map shows where there were celebrity sightings in Manhattan. Hmmm..I do have to say it is a bit creepy but I love to see blogs getting national press.

Beauty Product: Clinique Moisture Surge Extra

Clinique's Moisture Surge Extra is honestly the best thing my face ever met. It soothes dry, itchy skin without clogging pours or making my face oily. It's great in the winter when the air is painfully dry or even the summer when you get a little too much sun. Especially after skiing - the sun and whipping cold air can be downright brutal on your face. I started using it about 3 years ago and wish I had discovered it sooner.

Featured Designer: Charlotte

Charlotte has great clothing for vacation (think beach/pool wear) or just lounging around. Cute yet so comfortable too. Most of these items come in other colors.

Charlotte is available at:
Shopbob
Active Endeavors

Flat Sandals

I'm happy to see not only is the wedge in style but flats are also. After all we can't walk around in 3+ inch heels everyday! The neutral, tribal inspired flat are especially hot. Here is a few cute pairs I found at Nordstrom. What's even better is if you order a pair of sandals you get free shipping on your entire order! Offer is only good through April 3rd so start shopping!

What I Want Today...

Top from Banana Republic...I need something new to wear out tonight!!! This top will look great with white pants. I'm probably the only person that is tired of denim.

Scoop Opens in Chicago

I think it's all about Chicago day. It is a great city afterall. I was excited to hear that Scoop (Yes, Scoop NYC) opened Chicago, more specifically Bucktown. I couldn't pick a better location! Read about it on Chicago Magazine's website.

Billion Dollar Babes Back in Town

I almost don't want to share this. The Billion Dollar Babes sample sale will be in Chicago again on Saturday, April 29th. It's definitely worth checking out. Find out more info and RSVP on their website. Here are just a few of the designers that have participated in past sales: Alice & Olivia, Earl Jeans, Helmut Lang and Trina Turk. I hope I don't end up fight over a shirt with someone who found out about Billion Dollar Babes from this post!

Wanna Dress Like Sienna Miller?

If you have seen a celebrity wear something you'd like to own, check out ASOS.com. A lot of their clothes have been worn by celebrities (ASOS = As Seen On Screen). I love this bustier worn by Sienna. It's just one of the many great items on ASOS.com.

Add Some Style to Your Work-Out

Check out Stella McCartney's spring line of work-out gear for Adidas. You look and feel better after you loose those old, drab t-shirts and sweats. And with Adidas as the base for these clothes you know they are still built for performance and durability, not to just look good tromping around the gym.

Chicago Fashion Week

Chicago Fashion Week is right around the corner - March 31st - April 7th. Tickets are already on sale and there are some events open to the public. Tickets are sold on their website. I'm going to try and attend the Grand Finale at Galleria Marchetti.

What I Want Today...

Steve Madden Pumps - Love the peep toe!

Featured Site - Xtratrendy.com

Xtratrendy.com has cute tops, gauchos and dresses. Okay so the site slow and isn't very user friendly but the clothes are cute, comfortable...and SO inexpensive. Here are two dresses (one Ashlee Simpson wore on the Cover of Cosmo) and one top from the site.

The Importance of Online to Offline

Every store should have a website. Not just any website, but a website where you can shop and make PURCHASES. I'm surprised that so many stores still don't. A website is an extension of your store and a great way to communicate your brand. By not having a website with online purchasing you are doing consumers a disservice. A few stores I would like to see with online shopping: H&M, Express and The Limited (doesn't even have an actual website). I understand this is much harder for smaller boutiques that don't have the resources but it's becoming easier (therefore cheaper) to setup a site yourself.
More and more people are shopping and buying online. Everyone is busier these days so online shopping makes it easier for those that do not have time to go store to store. Without a website you might be missing out on a whole other audience. It also can drive offline sales - many people research online before buying in the store.

High-Waisted Pants Making a Comeback?

I came across these high-waisted jeans on Intermix's website. They have several pairs of high waisted pants and list them as one of the spring trends. Are high-waisted pants coming back into style? They are tough to pull off but can be flattering. I do think they look classier than ultra low-rise jeans (think Britney Spears pre-pregnancy). I'm tired of seeing thongs sticking out of jeans. I do really like high-waisted skirts with a wide belt. It will be interesting to see how this "trend" plays out.

What I Want Today...

These Vince shorts from Bloomingdale's. Shorts are all the rage this year.

Kate is that you?? Or Marilyn?

Kate Moss attempting to look like Marilyn Monroe in W's April issue:

What I Want Today...

BCBG top and bolero from Nordstrom:

High Fashion at the Oscars

Jessica Alba did it again. She looked gorgeous the Golden Globes but I think she may have reached a personal best at the Oscars. This picture doesn't do her justice. Selma also looked exquisite. I love that she is not your typical waif-like actress. She is curvy and it fits her so well. I also really like Keira Knightley's eggplant colored dress. Very glam.

What Would You Wear to the Oscars?

I could spend hours looking through dresses, entertaining my options but I would probably end up choosing something similar to this. I'm not a fan of floor-length but this is the Oscars! Okay back to reality..I'm just watching it from my couch.

Flashback to the Worst Oscar Fashions..

I think I love the red carpet much more than the actual Oscars. Thanks to "E" the red carpet has become an event in itself. It much more exciting to see what the celebrities are wearing and who they show up with. Here are a few of the "worst dressed" from previous years. I don't think anyone will forget Bjork in her swan dress.

Kooba Bags

I love Kooba's new spring bags. These are available at Active Endeavors.

The Envelope Please...

For all the latest Oscar coverage check out TheEnvelope.com. It's the insiders guide to all the award shows.

Marshall Fields: Beauty and Cocktails

For those of you that live in Chicago and are looking for a fun way to start out your weekend, stop by Marshall Fields on State for "Happy Hour at the Beauty Bar". Enjoy cocktails, hor d'oeuvres and complimentary pampering services from 5-8pm.